Candidates return VECO contributions

Many worry about public's perception of 'tainted' funds

Posted: Sunday, September 10, 2006

By The Associated Press

ANCHORAGE - With the general election less than two months away, incumbents and challengers alike are assessing how to handle campaign donations from oil services company Veco Corp., which the FBI is investigating for its longtime role as a heavyweight in Alaska politics.

Of the political candidates who have received donations from Veco, some have decided to return them because of public perception that the money is somehow tainted.

Republican lieutenant governor candidate Sean Parnell returned two $500 checks that Veco officials gave him in August.

"I can best meet those standards of public trust and transparency by returning the contributions," he said.

Republican House candidate Jeff Gonnason, who's running against Democrat Rep. Harry Crawford in East Anchorage, said Friday he returned six $500 checks he received from Veco officials late last year.

Gonnason said no one from Veco ever contacted him or implied strings were attached to the money, however, he didn't want the donations to be a liability to his campaign.

Another Republican contender for state House in East Anchorage, Matt Moon, said he also returned six $500 donations from Veco officials, as well as a donation from Senate President Ben Stevens, one of six lawmakers whose offices were searched by the FBI.

"I have promised to myself and to my voters that I do not want to engage in any unethical behavior, even if it's only perceived," said Moon, who is running against Democrat Max Gruenberg.

But some lawmakers see nothing wrong with keeping the money, saying that their votes were not affected by the oil field service giant or its executives, who are also being searched and questioned.

Republican majority leader, Rep. John Coghill of North Pole, said he's not returning five $500 contributions from Veco executives because he's done nothing wrong.

"My record's clear," he said.

Coghill said the donations made it easier for Veco officials to get time to speak with him, but didn't sway his decisions on the House floor.

"It certainly helps their access to me," Coghill said. "But it doesn't put me under any obligation." Coghill said he voted for a higher petroleum profits tax than Veco wanted, for example.